Houses in Multiple Occupation

A number of universities and colleges across Scotland have, at one time or another, had to deal with the ‘town and gown’ issue where the lives of local residents clash with those of students living and studying in local communities.

Residents complain about noise, litter and the affect on local amenities with students often getting blame they don’t deserve. A number of local resident associations across Scotland have tried and failed to convince local authorities to reduce the number of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (or HMOs) which students often live in.

This has been a long standing issue in Edinburgh and Glasgow in particular, and as a consequence Glasgow MSP Pauline McNeill has, in the last week, lodged an amendment which could potentially see the number of HMO properties reduced in the long term – potentially causing huge problems for affordable student housing in the future.

NUS Scotland met Pauline McNeill MSP with Shelter last week to discuss her plans and managed to convince the MSP that her plans should not have retrospective effect. In other words, if these amendments pass, it will only affect the development of future student flats for rent in towns and cities across Scotland.

Pauline McNeill’s amendment was lodged on Thursday 9 November, and the parliament is due to vote on it on the 16/17 November. Stage 3 amendments like this are particularly dangerous because they do not require a parliamentary committee to scrutinise them or allow organisations like NUS Scotland and Shelter enough time to fully educate MSPs and students as to their effect.

Consequently, we only have 5 days to convince MSPs across Scotland to vote against the amendment! NUS Scotland is calling on students to write or email their MSPs, asking them to oppose this amendment, as a matter of urgency. Sample letter to send your MSP